Rumors: Model News — Toyota To Revive Supra... As An EV?

By Brandon Turkus

November 15, 2012

Bizarre as it sounds, if a report from The Detroit Bureau is to be believed, a new Supra from Toyota could be in development using bits and bobs from Tesla. That’s right, the next Supra could be an EV, or at least a hybrid.

The Bureau cites conversations with Toyota engineers, including the chief engineer on the FR-S, who indicated Akio Toyoda has instructed him to begin development “as soon as possible.”

As for the rumors about its powertrain, they come from Toyota’s tie-up with Tesla. The two companies collaborate on RAV4 EV production, and Tesla currently owns Toyota’s old NUMMI factory for Model S production. If comments from senior Tesla employees are to be believed, the EV maker is looking to follow up the Model S with a proper sportscar. The Supra may be just the vehicle both brands need to crack the sportscar market open.